Aaron Wan-Bissaka has taken a while to start appearing like the £50 million right-back Manchester United would rather sign than any of the other 899 prospects they evaluated, but it may finally be happening.
Since becoming the manager of Old Trafford, Erik ten Hag has performed admirably. He took over an unorganized, demoralized rabble and transformed them into a team that can compete well and even win games. While his shrewd acquisitions in the transfer market have played a significant role in that, it is also important to note the work he has done with the players who are currently on the team.
Marcus Rashford is the prime illustration. Last season, the forward cut a dejected figure, his head perpetually sunk to the ground and his confidence utterly gone. His goal return was the poorest of his career, and it was momentarily questioned if he would continue playing for United. But now look at him! With 28 goals, he has returned to and even surpassed his former record high.
He is not the only player to have profited from Ten Hag's astute coaching and superb man-management. This season, David de Gea, Bruno Fernandes, Luke Shaw, Fred, Diogo Dalot, Anthony Martial (when he plays), and until very recently, Diogo Dalot have all made significant improvements and seem to be playing with renewed confidence.
When you initially believed the Dutchman's miraculous accomplishment was limited, Even Wan-Bissaka has begun to improve steadily. The defense has made a significant turn for the better.
Before he even put his feet on his desk, Ten Hag seemed to have made up his mind about Wan-Bissaka. Last summer, when he was put available for offers, it appeared that his time at the club was coming to an end. But there was a stay of execution, and he remained, as no offers were submitted and United's feeble attempts to sign another right-back failed.
However, opportunities were scarce in the early going of the campaign as Dalot established himself as the right-back. Wan-Bissaka missed some time due to a back ailment, but even if he had been healthy, it looked unlikely that he would have played much longer than his meager four minutes.
But after the World Cup, he had his chance since Dalot was the one who was being benched. He has grabbed hold of it firmly. Wan-Bissaka, who played very little in the first half of the season, has only missed four league games since club football resumed, and has participated in all but one cup game.
Wan-Bissaka has always excelled in one-on-one competition. At Wembley on Sunday, he managed to put out the hitherto unquenchable fire that was Brighton's exciting winger Kaoru Mitoma. He has just once been dribbled past in the Premier League, the fewest of any player who has played at least 900 minutes. The international Japanese player said to OneFootball: "Aaron Wan-Bissaka is a strong opponent, that is what I thought while I was playing. But there were a lot of scenes where his legs stretched at the end, or he got the ball down at the back. I think it was a complete defeat.”
What is more impressive, though, is that Wan-Bissaka has improved in an area of his game that has always disappointed: attacking. The former Crystal Palace player is considerably more at ease with the ball and has contributed significantly moving forward.
United are unexpectedly better off at right-back than it first looked with Wan-Bissaka and Dalot both making progress. It might be sufficient to make signing another one this coming summer easier.
Ten Hag is still looking for a strong right-back alternative after being unsuccessful last season, and he is particularly interested in Jeremie Frimpong. It is known that United have already spoken to the agents of the Bayer Leverkusen star. But it would be advantageous for the club if they didn't have to worry about yet another position during a summer that will be very expensive and taxing as they hunt a critically needed striker and another world-class midfielder.
Wan-Bissaka may alter the team's transfer plans if he can show himself in the remaining games.
Wan Bissaka speaks on how Ten Hag has helped him improve
Aaron Wan-Bissaka thinks that by participating more in offensive areas for Manchester United, he is meeting Erik ten Hag's requirements.
The 25-year-old has started all four of United's recent games at right back and has been in good competition all season with Diogo Dalot, who has recently moved to the left to fill in for Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia.
Wan-Bissaka, who is frequently referred to as the more defensive option due to his proficiency in one-on-one defense, has increased his offensive threat throughout the course of this season and has had a renaissance as a result.
"I think it's getting involved more in the higher part of the pitch, which is what the manager wants," Wan-Bissaka told The Telegraph. "That is what I've been giving him. He wants the full-back and winger to be on opposite lines, so if one is outside, the other is inside. That is what has been happening in the games on both sides of the pitch.
"It gives more options for other players. It creates space for other areas of the pitch. Now it is natural. It is what we do in training and what we practise, so we have to make it a habit to create as many options as possible."
"It is about timing. When to be in certain positions at different times. To get forward and be an option, the more players in the box the better. What it is is just having that understanding of what the coach demands. He is demanding and it brings the best out of us.
"My aim has been to keep improving and using each game step-by-step. I'm quite happy with it. The only thing I can do when I get on the pitch is give it my all for the team and the manager."
Despite Wan-Bissaka's development, questions linger over his future with the team. In preparation for a prospective summer transfer, United has spoken with the agency of Bayer Leverkusen right-back Jeremie Frimpong, and Dalot is negotiating a new contract.
Wan-Bissaka was connected to a number of clubs in January, including his former team Crystal Palace. Similar interest is anticipated for Wan-Bissaka ahead of the upcoming season.
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